The power of precision techniques for the future of farming

In this session, we explore how precision techniques in agricultural technology (ag-tech), plant biology and microbiology are transforming the future of farming. These innovative techniques are powerful tools to address pressing challenges in agriculture, fostering healthy crops, healthy soils, new crop varieties, and reduced reliance on chemical pest control and fertilizers. By improving sustainability, they contribute to a healthier future for both people and the planet.

A key enabler of these precision techniques is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics and omics technologies. They accelerate the development of novel farming solutions: from analysing vast datasets for crop monitoring and resource management, to identifying promising bioactive molecules and enabling targeted gene editing. These technologies drive advancements by enhancing the accuracy of decision-making, and unlocking new possibilities in crop improvement and sustainable agriculture practices.

Key areas of discussion are:

Precision Agriculture: robotics, drones, sensors, and satellites - this topic dives into the hardware innovations driving precision agriculture, including robotics, drones, sensors, and satellite technologies. These tools enable real-time monitoring and data collection, optimizing farming practices for more targeted inputs, and support sustainable practices.

Precision Gene Editing: new genomic techniques (NGTs) – this topic highlights the potential of precise genome editing of plants. Precise gene edits (or NGTs in the EU-language) pave the way for crops with improved traits such as higher drought tolerance, better nutritional profiles, plant biomanufacturing, and reduced dependency on chemical inputs, ensuring a healthier agricultural ecosystem.

Precision Production: biologicals – this topic covers the identification and development of promising bioactive molecules for applications in agriculture. This will include the precise engineering of microorganisms (e.g. via synthetic biology) for the production of biologicals. Examples are bactericides and nanobodies.